The Unicorns didn’t sell out'they just changed their name to Islands and invited a bit of sanity into the sort of post-modern experiments that made Who Will Cut Our Hair When We’re Gone? largely inaccessible. Return to the Sea is a more linear work of envelope-pushing indie rock. The 11-track album is not only approachable, it’s difficult to dismiss. Marvel at how smoothly tropical guitars shuffle along “Don’t Call Me Whitney, Bobby” with delicious harmonies and catchy little lines about bones, bones, brittle, little bones. The lyrics are obtuse, but you’ll sing along anyway. Kayo Gallery, 315 E. 300 South, 7 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24Tix.com.

FILM SCHOOL

Most bands hate it when you draw obvious comparisons. Still, Film School’s self-titled sophomore release has been on repeat for three days and the Cure keeps coming to mind. Krayg Burton’s British accent (developed in the heart of San Francisco?) isn’t a carbon copy of Robert Smith’s luscious cry, but it’s a stunning approximation'most notably on the poppy “11:11.” The quintet excels on dreamy tracks that substitute droning guitars for subtle strings and hushed harmonies. Given the album’s wide range, it seems Film School might soon find a voice completely their own. Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 24Tix.com (with Knife Show and Brilliant Stereo Mob).

Also Friday: School of Rock: The Who Show (Avalon Theater). Firehouse (The Whiskey). Kelly Joe Phelps (USU Eccles Auditorium, Logan).

Three years ago, the Starlight Mints won over a Salt Lake City crowd that was about to boo them offstage. It wasn’t that the Oklahoma psych-poppers were all that terrible, but they arrived in place of ball-to-the-walls rockers Burning Brides, who canceled at the last minute. Allan Vest and his trio of oddball musical savants hardly seemed poised to bring similar noise. But while SM didn’t blow any speakers, they blew minds with a bunch of loony tunes full of complex strings, bubbly keys and playful lyrics. After one or two jams, the audience stopped scowling and embraced the Mints as a fresh alternative to standard rock. Often grouped with hometown neighbors the Flaming Lips, they wave a separate freak flag high and proud. Their latest release, Drowaton (Not a Word spelled backwards?) continues fascination with bizarre melodies that inspire the most natural impulses to dance. Velour, 135 N. University Ave., Provo, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: 800-888-8499, SmithsTix.com (with Dios Malos and Octopus Project).

It was recently and humorously reported that Buckethead would rather produce bizarre tributes to Ol’ Dirty Bastard than rejoin the revamped Guns N’ Roses. The Kentucky Fried Chicken aficionado (and one-time GNR member) is apparently embarrassed by the infamous hair band’s current state, which seems to reaffirm Tracii Guns’ decision to abandon his half-namesake group before they even ruled the Sunset Strip. Not that he needs further confirmation. Guns enjoyed plenty of fame and fortune with L.A. Guns and Brides of Destruction. Both defunct metal acts allowed him to shred to his heart’s content. He’s still living the dream with his latest project, playing new hits and the occasional cover tune'excluding tributes to hip-hop’s fallen heroes. In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West, 8 p.m. Tickets: 24Tix.com.

GOMEZ

While Dave Mathews isn’t exactly the first artist who comes to mind when referencing indie bands, his relatively young label ATO Records does a fine job keeping the corporate-driven music industry in check. Featured acts My Morning Jacket and Mike Doughty transcend radio-friendly, stadium-ready sounds, which is part of the reason recently signed U.K. group Gomez felt so at home while recording How We Operate. The pop-rock quintet ditched major-label constraints to produce an album that’s streamlined but not slick, with hearty vocals and lush guitars that bounce along “Girlshapedlovedrug” and slide across “Don’t Make Me Laugh” without a hint of Top-40 ennui. Suede, 1612 Ute Blvd. (Kimball Junction), Park City, 9 p.m. Tickets: 800-888-8499, SmithsTix.com.